Device for an adjusting mechanism, said adjusting mechanism and method

ABSTRACT

A device for blocking and for releasing an adjusting mechanism having at least two parts which are movable relative to each other is disclosed. The device comprises a blocker configured to be brought at least into a blocking position and a release position relative to the adjusting mechanism. The device further comprises an actuator for changing the position of the blocker between the blocking position and the release position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

Germany Priority Application DE 103 21 426.7, filed May 12, 2003including the specification, drawings, claims and abstract, isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Germany PriorityApplication DE 103 41 866.0, filed Sep. 9, 2003 including thespecification, drawings, claims and abstract, is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. This application is a National Stage of USApplication PCT/EP2004/004920, filed Jul. 5, 2004, incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a device for blocking and forreleasing an adjusting mechanism for use in a vehicle seat. Inparticular the invention relates to for components of motorvehicles—such as, for example, seats, sliding roofs and more of the likewhich can be set mechanically into a plurality of positions, foroperating elements or actuating elements which permit the mechanicalsetting of the components to be placed at locations which can easily bereached and can easily be seen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

German laid-open specification DE 198 51 456 discloses a device and amethod for adjusting movable parts, in which a motor having a method ofoperation is provided for adjusting the movable parts. The motor isprovided both for adjusting the movable parts and for providingpneumatic energy.

A disadvantage of this known device and the known method is that amechanical adjustment of the movable parts is entirely taken over by themotor, which makes the device expensive and complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one embodiment, relates to a device forblocking and for releasing an adjusting mechanism, in which theadjustment of the adjusting mechanism itself is not providedautomatically, for example electrically or pneumatically, but rather inwhich the setting of the adjusting mechanism from a first possiblesetting to a second possible setting is carried out manually. Only theunlocking or the release of the adjusting mechanism isundertaken—triggered by the actuation of an actuating element—in anautomated manner, for example pneumatically or electrically, by means ofan unlocking actuator. As a result, the device according to theinvention can be produced to be small, lightweight and cost-effective,for example because a large-sized, heavy and expensive motor forautomated adjustment is not necessary. According to one embodiment ofthe invention there is a device for blocking and for releasing anadjusting mechanism, in which the adjusting mechanism is provided atleast in two settings, the device having a blocking means which can bebrought at least into a blocking position and into a release positionrelative to the adjusting mechanism, an adjustment of the adjustingmechanism from its first setting into its second setting being providedonly when the blocking means is in its release position, a change inposition of the blocking means from its blocking position into itsrelease position being provided by means of an electric and/or pneumaticunlocking actuator. The device of the present invention has theadvantage that the unlocking actuator does not have to be actuatedmanually. This makes it unnecessary to position the actuating elementfor the unlocking actuator at a location at which a user of theadjusting mechanism firstly cannot comfortably bring about an unlockingof the adjusting mechanism, or makes it unnecessary to providecomplicated mechanical assisting means which, although they permit anunlocking of the adjusting mechanism at a comfortably accessiblelocation, are large, heavy and expensive to produce and to fit for thispurpose. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible according to theinvention to provide an actuating element in such a manner that theeffort for its actuation is comparatively low. As a result, even userswho are physically relatively weak can operate the adjusting mechanismin a simple and safe manner. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, it is advantageously possible to provide an operation of theactuating element in which great forces do not have to be applied eitherfor adjusting the adjusting mechanism or for actuating the unlockingactuator.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is a device forunlocking and for maintaining the unlocking of an adjusting mechanism,it being possible for the adjusting mechanism to be set in a firstsetting position and in a second setting position, the adjustingmechanism having a reversibly releasable and blockable blocking means,an adjustment of the adjusting mechanism from its first setting positioninto its second setting position being provided only when the blockingmeans is released, the release of the blocking means furthermore beingprovided by means of an electric and/or pneumatic unlocking actuator, anactivation of the unlocking actuator being provided at the beginning ofa setting period and a deactivation of the unlocking actuator beingprovided at the end of the setting period, and the device comprisingdetection means for detecting the end of the setting period or detectionmeans of this type being assigned to the device. This enables aparticularly user-friendly operation of the adjusting mechanism.Furthermore, a multiplicity of different setting situations or amultiplicity of possible termination criteria of the setting oradjusting operation of the adjusting mechanism is possible.

A change in position of the blocking means from its release positioninto its blocking position is preferably provided by means of amechanical and/or electric and/or pneumatic locking actuator. Thelocking actuator is used for blocking the adjusting mechanism againafter an adjusting operation and can therefore be safely used asoperation, for example of a motor vehicle, continues.

A change in position of the blocking means from its release positioninto its blocking position is preferably provided by means of a springas mechanical locking actuator. As a result, a particularly simple andcost-effective solution for a locking actuator is possible.

In a further embodiment, the change in position of the blocking meansfrom its blocking position into its release position can be carried outcounter to an action of force of the locking actuator. This ensures thatthe blocking position of the blocking means is always possible—even inthe event of a functional failure of the unlocking actuator. This leadsto the adjusting mechanism being stable and blocked in the event of anunexpected event.

In another embodiment, when the blocking means is in its blockingposition, a frictional and/or non-positive action of the blocking meanson the adjusting mechanism is preferably provided. This ensures in asimple manner that the adjusting mechanism will be blocked.

In a further embodiment, the unlocking actuator is a pneumatic unlockingactuator to be provided with an active surface, the active surface beingconnected on both sides to the ambient pressure when the blocking meansis in its blocking position. This leads to the adjusting mechanism beingstable and blocked in an emergency situation, for example in the case ofa collision, in which supplying with pneumatic energy is not ensured.

In a further embodiment when the unlocking actuator is activated, afirst power requirement for releasing the blocking means is provided,and that, in order to maintain the releasing of the blocking means, asecond power requirement of the unlocking actuator is provided, thesecond power requirement being smaller than the first power requirement.Furthermore the first power requirement of the unlocking actuator isrealized by means of a first drive voltage and the second powerrequirement of the unlocking actuator is realized by means of a seconddrive voltage. Furthermore the unlocking actuator can be driven with thefirst power requirement at maximum during a predetermined overloadperiod. This makes it possible to dimension the unlocking actuator to besmaller than the power required at a particular instant for unlocking,i.e. for releasing the blocking means from its blocking position intoits release position. For this purpose, the unlocking actuator istherefore temporarily overloaded in such a manner that although it canwithstand such a load at a particular instant, it would be consistentlyoverloaded therewith. It is therefore advantageously possible todimension the unlocking actuator to be smaller than the first powerrequirement which is briefly required or to the first drive voltagewhich is briefly required, in particular for thermal overloadingreasons. With regard to load peaks for moving the blocking means intoits release position, the unlocking actuator can therefore beunder-dimensioned according to the invention and can be operated in acomparatively brief overload mode above the nominal voltage of theunlocking actuator. This reduces the costs and the weight of the deviceaccording to the invention. An unlocking actuator of this type ispreferably provided as an electric actuator, with the result thatdifferent drive voltages are used for driving the said actuator at adifferent load requirement.

Provision is preferably furthermore made for the first and/or secondpower requirement to be at least partially constant in time or for thefirst and/or second power requirement to be variable in time. Accordingto the invention, it is particularly preferred for the first powerrequirement to be provided during a first drive period and for thesecond power requirement to be provided during a second drive period fordriving the unlocking actuator. According to the invention, it istherefore advantageously possible either to provide a continuoustransition between the first and the second power requirement—forexample with the effect of an exponential or quasi-exponential droppingof the drive voltage from a starting value to a second drive voltagevalue required long term for maintaining the release position of theblocking means—or to provide one or more discontinuous transitionsbetween the first and second power requirement. For example, thedifferent drive voltages for unlocking and for maintaining the unlockingmay also be constant during certain time periods. According to theinvention, this increases the variability and number of options forusing the device according to the invention.

The different drive voltages can be realized without complicateddriving, for example by means of the different voltage levels of theelectrical system in a vehicle with an electrical system havingdifferent voltage levels of this type. As an alternative to this, thedifferent drive voltages may be generated by closed-loop driving, forexample by means of a pulse-width modulation method.

It is furthermore preferable for the repetition rate of an activation ofthe unlocking actuator to be limited or to be limited at least during apredetermined averaging period. This makes it advantageously possiblethat an incorrect use of the device will not lead to damage due, forexample, to the unlocking actuator overloading, for example due tooverheating. In this case, the repetition rate of the activation of theunlocking actuator is the number of actuations of the device such thatthe unlocking actuator undertakes an unlocking of the blocking meansfrom its blocking position into its release position. If, for example,the unlocking actuator requires 30 seconds for cooling, a repetitionrate of above two actuations per minute would be detected by a controldevice and prevented. Alternatively, in the case of a cooling time of 30seconds, required likewise by way of example, provision may be made for,for example, five actuations to be possible over two minutes, but for nomore than, for example, six actuations to ensue over an averaging periodof four minutes. This enables a flexible use of the device by a user andprevents misuse. The values mentioned are understood exclusively by wayof example.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable foreither the blocking means to be able to be brought into a releaseposition and into a blocking position, in which case the blocking meanscan be brought from its release position into its blocking position bymeans of a deactivation of the unlocking actuator, or for the blockingmeans to be able to be brought into a release position, into a blockingposition and into a standby position, in which case the blocking meanscan be brought from its release position into its blocking position orat least into its standby position by means of a deactivation of theunlocking actuator. In a further embodiment, it is preferable that, whenthere is a loss of voltage by the device or in an emergency situation, adeactivation of the unlocking actuator is provided, an emergencysituation being, in particular, a crash situation and/or pre-crashsituation and/or a particularly severe braking of the vehicle. Thestandby position is therefore characterized in that there is thepossibility for changing the state of the blocking means into the lockedstate of the adjusting mechanism, i.e. into the blocking position of theblocking means, to be precise, without the unlocking actuator having hadto be driven or without there having been a different energyrequirement. In particular in the case of a loss of voltage or in thecase of other emergency situations, this considerably increases thesafety of the device according to the invention. According to theinvention, the crash situation, i.e. the presence of an accidentsituation, is established in particular centrally in the vehicle—inparticular by the response of acceleration sensors due to accelerationvalues of the vehicle that lie above threshold values. A pre-crashsituation, i.e. a situation in which an accident is immediatelyimminent, is likewise determined according to the invention centrally inthe vehicle by means of further sensors—for example ambient sensors,such as ultrasound sensors, radar sensors or optical sensors.

In a further embodiment, it is preferable for the device to comprise asignaling means or for a signaling means to be assigned to the device,it being possible for the presence of the blocking means in the standbyposition to be signaled by means of the signaling means. In the standbyposition of the device, the adjusting mechanism is not yet completelyblocked—for example because teeth of gearwheels or racks that intermeshin the blocked state are not yet intermeshing—with the result that thereis a safety risk at this point which is imparted to a user by thesignaling means—for example an acoustic signaling means or an opticalsignaling means, for example a display or a loudspeaker, or a hapticsignaling means, for example a vibrating display.

In a further embodiment, it is furthermore advantageous for theunlocking actuator to be provided as pneumatic unlocking actuator whichinteracts with a valve unit which, when a predetermined accelerationvalue in a predetermined direction is exceeded, deactivates theunlocking actuator. As an alternative to this, it is also possible,according to the invention, for the unlocking actuator to be provided aselectric unlocking actuator which interacts with a sensor means which,when a predetermined acceleration value in a predetermined direction isexceeded, deactivates the unlocking actuator. It is therefore possibleto undertake a rapid deactivation of the unlocking actuator. If,therefore, the adjusting mechanism is adjusted, for example during thejourney, and during the adjusting operation there is a severeacceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, then the value unit causes theadjusting mechanism to be locked by deactivating the unlocking actuator.

According to the invention, provision may also be made advantageously toundertake such a blocking of the adjusting mechanism during theoccurrence of accelerations/decelerations of the vehicle as occurredduring full braking of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment, it is furthermore preferable for the actuatingelement to be provided as detection means for detecting the end of thesetting period. By this means, the interruption-free continuation of theuser's intention to maintain an unlocking once introduced by theactuation of the actuating element is detected in a simple manner. As analternative to an actuating element as detection means for detecting theend of the setting period, it is possible according to the invention toassign further detection means either to the device or to the adjustingmechanism or else to integrate detection means of this type into thedevice or the adjusting mechanism. These include, for example, detectionmeans which detect an exertion of force on various parts of theadjusting mechanism. Furthermore, these may include detection meanswhich detect the touching of certain points of the device or theadjusting mechanism.

It is furthermore preferable for a sensor means to be assigned to thedevice or for the device to comprise a sensor or sensor means, it beingpossible for the sensor means to be used to provide an inhibiting signalwhich prevents an activation of the unlocking actuator. Furthermore, itis preferable for the sensor device to be a seat occupation sensor or abody contact sensor, in particular on a backrest or armrest. This makesit possible to completely prevent an actuation of the unlocking actuatorin certain situations if further conditions which are required to befulfilled—in particular those established by a sensor—are not fulfilled.For example, due to intentional or unintentional actuation of theactuating element without the presence of an actual user's requirementto adjust the adjusting mechanism—for example manifested in that a useris on the vehicle seat or that a user's back rests on the backrest orthat a user has placed his arm on the armrest—an unlocking can beprevented from being carried out. Furthermore, provision may be madeaccording to the invention for an unlocking of the adjusting mechanismto be carried out only after a certain dead time, i.e. for a signalgenerated by the actuating element to be evaluated as valid only afterthe expiry of the dead time. This makes it largely possible to prevent,for example, negative effects due to a rebounding switch. According tothe invention, it can furthermore be provided that an unlocking is madepossible only after the detection of a “double click” actuating signalat the actuating element.

Furthermore, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the unlockingactuator comprises a first partial unlocking actuator and a secondpartial unlocking actuator, the partial unlocking actuators jointlybringing about the release of the blocking means by means of differentmechanical transmission ratios. It is advantageous in this connectionthat nonlinear force/travel profiles can be better taken intoconsideration in the unlocking of the adjusting mechanism. For example,a great force could be required in an initial stage of the unlockingoperation and for it to be applied at a given lever length, which isselected in such a manner that the unlocking operation can be completelycarried out, a comparatively large actuator would be required. Accordingto the invention, it is now advantageously provided to connect a firstactuator of smaller dimensions (also called partial unlocking actuator)to a larger lever arm in such a manner that the smaller actuator is alsocapable of applying the force required in the initial stage of theunlocking operation. However, there is then the problem that, due to thelarger length of the lever arm, the displacement travel (of an actuatorillustrated by way of example as a linear actuator) would also have tobe selected to be larger although during the further course of thedisplacement travel, i.e. after the initial stage of the unlockingoperation, a smaller force of the actuator would possibly suffice. Thesecond partial unlocking actuator is provided for this case, whichactuator—connected to a smaller lever arm—“takes over” the displacementtravel after the initial stage of the unlocking operation. It istherefore possible according to the invention to compensate, on thebasis of the geometry of the lever, for a nonuniform force/travelprofile during the unlocking and nevertheless to use comparativelysmaller and less expensive components.

In a further embodiment, the present invention furthermore relates to anadjusting mechanism which interacts with a device according to theinvention. An adjusting mechanism of this type can advantageously beadjusted from a first setting into a second setting by a movement of twoparts which originates from an action of a force applied to the parts.This makes it possible to minimize the effort and time required forchanging the position of the adjusting mechanism, since, for example,adjusting elements—such as, for example, setting wheels for adjusting abackrest—do not have to be moved manually with great effort or a largetransmission ratio, but on the contrary the force acts directly on thepart to be moved—for example by the user exerting a force on thebackrest itself.

It will be understood that it is preferable for the action of forceapplied to the parts to take place counter to the action of an adjustingactuator, in particular a mechanical adjusting actuator. It isfurthermore preferable for the adjusting actuator to be tensioned fromits first position into its second position by a movement of the parts,the adjusting actuator being provided in particular as a spring. It isfurthermore preferred for the movement of the adjusting mechanism to belimited in speed owing to the adjusting actuator, with the adjustingmechanism, in particular, having a damping element. In one particularembodiment, it is preferred for the adjusting actuator and the dampingelement to be integrated with each other, in particular in the form of agas pressure damper. As a result, it is possible according to theinvention to provide an adjusting mechanism which is particularlyuser-friendly. For example, the backrest of a vehicle seat can bepreloaded by means of a spring or a gas pressure damper, during aninclination to the rear, in such a manner that it automatically setsitself upright if a user desires this. Similarly, the longitudinaladjustment of the seat may also have a spring or the like, with theresult that, for example, the seat is “automatically” pushed forward anda user has merely to press the seat to the rear with just a smallapplication of force to this spring, in order to set a comfortableposition. An awkward “yanking” in order to move a seat forward istherefore no longer required. Provision is made according to theinvention for such “automatically” moving seats or seat parts of othercomponents of a vehicle not to move at too great a speed, whichotherwise could cause a hazard, for example for children or the like.Correspondingly, provision may be made, for example, that by theactuation of an actuating element on the trunk of a vehicle, aspring-preloaded rear bench or rear seat back is unlocked, with theresult that a “remote functionality”, i.e. a controllability of an“automatic” seat movement or more generally of an “automatic” componentmovement in a vehicle, is possible starting from locations in thevehicle which are not in the vicinity of the seat or the component. Thisfurther increases the user-friendliness of such a component or such aseat, for example—for the example indicated—the loading of a trunk or ingeneral loading compartment with a bulky and possibly heavy object.

In another embodiment, the present invention furthermore relates to amethod for adjusting a component having an adjusting mechanism, inparticular of a motor vehicle, wherein, in a first step, the actuationof an actuating element causes a blocking means of a device for blockingand for releasing the adjusting mechanism to be brought into a releaseposition by means of an electric and/or pneumatic unlocking actuator, asa result of which the adjusting mechanism can be adjusted, wherein, in asecond step, the action of a force on the component causes the adjustingmechanism to be brought from a first setting to a second setting, andwherein, in a third step, the blocking means of the device is broughtinto a blocking position and, as a result, the adjusting mechanism isblocked. The method according to the invention has the advantage that amuch smaller force is required for actuating the actuating element tounlock or release the blocking means than would be required to undertakean unlocking of a manual means of unlocking the adjusting mechanism.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference toexemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a component with a first and asecond adjusting mechanism and an operating unit illustrated on anenlarged scale.

FIG. 2 shows a conventional adjusting mechanism with a manual unlockingoption.

FIG. 3 shows a first adjusting mechanism according to the invention witha device according to the invention in side view.

FIG. 4 shows a second adjusting mechanism according to the inventionwith a device according to the invention in side view and plan view.

FIG. 5 shows a time diagram for driving an unlocking actuator accordingto the invention.

FIG. 6 shows schematically a control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates, in the left-hand part of the figure, a component 1with a first adjusting mechanism 30 and a second adjusting mechanism 20and an operating unit 5 (illustrated on an enlarged scale). Thecomponent 1 is provided in particular as a seat 1 of a motor vehicle(not shown), but may also be any other desired component of a motorvehicle. The first adjusting mechanism 30 comprises a first part 31 anda second part 32 which can be moved in a translatory manner with respectto each other. The second adjusting mechanism 20 comprises a first part21 (merely indicated by means of an arrow and the reference number 21)and a second part 22 (merely indicated by means of an arrow and thereference number 22), the parts 21, 22 of the second adjusting mechanism20 being movable in a rotary manner with respect to each other. By meansof a respective blocking means (not illustrated in FIG. 1) for the twoadjusting mechanisms 20, 30, the parts 31, 32 of the first adjustingmechanism 30 can be blocked by each other and the parts 21, 22 of thesecond adjusting mechanism 20 can be blocked by each other. The blockingof the parts 21, 22, 31, 32 with respect to one another is eithercontinuous or discontinuous. The parts 21, 22 of the second adjustingmechanism 20 are respectively fastened to a “back” (denoted by thereference number 6) of the component 1 (illustrated by way of example asa seat 1) or to a “seat surface” (denoted by the reference number 7) ofthe component 1. As a result, it is possible, by exerting a force on theback 6 of the seat 1 along the direction denoted by means of a doublearrow and the reference number 8, to move the parts 21, 22 of the secondadjusting mechanism 20 from a first position of the parts 21, 22 withrespect to each other into a second position of the parts 21, 22 withrespect to each other. The first position of the parts 21, 22 withrespect to each other is also referred to as first setting of the secondadjusting mechanism 20 and the second position of the parts 21, 22 withrespect to each other is also referred to as second setting of thesecond adjusting mechanism 20. Correspondingly, the parts 31, 32 of thefirst adjusting mechanism 30 are fastened respectively to the seatsurface 7 or to a body (not illustrated) of a motor vehicle (likewisenot illustrated). As a result, it is possible, by exerting a force onthe seat surface 7 of the seat 1 along the direction denoted by means ofa double arrow and the reference number 9, to move the parts 31, 32 ofthe second adjusting mechanism 30 from a first position of the parts 31,32 with respect to each other into a second position of the parts 31, 32with respect to each other. The first position of the parts 31, 32 withrespect to each other is also referred to as first setting of the firstadjusting mechanism 30 and the second position of the parts 31, 32 withrespect to each other is also referred to as second setting of the firstadjusting mechanism 30. The operating unit 5, which is illustrated on anenlarged scale in the right-hand part of FIG. 1, is provided on thecomponent 1. A first actuating element 3 and a second actuating element2 are illustrated in the enlarged illustration of the operating unit 5.The first actuating element 3 is used for actuating an unlockingactuator (not illustrated in FIG. 1) of a blocking means of the firstadjusting mechanism 30, and the second actuating element 2 is used foractuating an unlocking actuator (likewise not illustrated in FIG. 1) ofthe blocking means of the second adjusting mechanism 20. If a user ofthe component 1 requires an adjustment of the first or of the secondadjusting mechanism 30, 20, the actuation of the corresponding actuatingelement 2, 3 and a movement of the corresponding blocking means into arelease position bring about an unlocking of the corresponding adjustingmechanism 20, 30, with the result that, by means of the above-describedexertion of force directly or indirectly on one of the parts 21, 22, 31,32, an adjustment or a different setting of the corresponding adjustingmechanism 20, 30 is possible. After ending the adjustment, thecorresponding blocking means (not illustrated in FIG. 1) is set againinto its blocking position to block the corresponding adjustingmechanism 20, 30. In this connection, the invention makes provision, inparticular, for the corresponding actuating element 2, 3 to have to beactuated during the entire adjusting operation and for the correspondingblocking means to bring about a blocking of the adjusting mechanism 20,30 directly after an actuation of the actuating element 2, 3.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional adjusting mechanism 300 with a manualunlocking option. The conventional adjusting mechanism 300 likewise hasparts 310, 320 which are provided movably with respect to each other. Bymeans of an unlocking device 300, it is possible to unlock the adjustingmechanism 330, which, for example, is provided discontinuously, suchthat the parts 310, 320 are released and can be moved with respect toeach other.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first adjusting mechanism 30 according to theinvention with a device 10 according to the invention in side view. Thedevice 10 has a blocking means 40 which is connected to a firstunlocking actuator 43. The blocking means 40 can be set in a blockingposition and in a release position. In its blocking position, theblocking means 40 fixes the parts 31, 32 of the first adjustingmechanism 30 to each other. In its release position, the blocking means40 makes it possible for the parts 31, 32 of the first adjustingmechanism 30 to be moved in a translatory manner in relation to eachother. The first unlocking actuator 43 is connected as part of thedevice 10 to the blocking means 40 and is capable of transferring theblocking means 40 from its blocking position into its release positionalong the double arrow 49. According to the invention, the firstadjusting mechanism 30 is provided, in particular, as a longitudinaladjuster which furthermore comprises, in particular, a non-self-lockingspindle/nut system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second adjusting mechanism 20 according to theinvention with a device 10 according to invention in side view in theleft-hand part of FIG. 4 and in plan view in the right-hand part of FIG.4. The second adjusting mechanism 20 has the first and second parts 21,22 which are movable rotationally with respect to each other by thesecond adjusting mechanism 20. The rotational movement of the parts 21,22 is indicated in FIG. 4 by means of a double arrow and the referencenumber 8. A wobble-type fitting 25, as indicated in the right-hand partof FIG. 4, is provided, for example, for the rotational movability ofthe two parts 21, 22. In the event of a movement of the parts 21, 22relative to each other, an element (denoted by the reference number 23)which interacts with the device 10 according to the invention and, inparticular, with the blocking means 40 also moves or rotates in order tobring about a blocking of the second adjusting mechanism 20. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 4, the blocking means 40, which is provided,for example, as a frictional resistance element in relation to theelement 23, is normally, i.e. when the second adjusting mechanism 20 isblocked, pressed against the element 23 by means of the locking actuator45, which is provided as a spring 45. The friction between the blockingmeans 40 and the element 23 under the spring force prevents a movementof the parts 21, 22 in relation to each other. In the event of a desiredadjustment of the second adjusting mechanism 20 and upon correspondingactuation of the second actuating element 2, a negative pressure isgenerated in a chamber 420, which is surrounded by a membrane 421 as theactive surface 421 of the second unblocking actuator 42, such that theblocking means 40 is moved away from the element 23 in the direction ofthe double arrow (denoted by the reference number 49). As a result, thefrictional effect is suppressed and the parts 21, 22 can be moved withrespect to each other by means of an application of force to the parts21, 22. According to the invention, the second adjusting mechanism 20 istherefore provided in particular such that it is not self-locking, i.e.a setting of the parts 21, 22 into different positions is possible bymeans of a force acting on the parts 21, 22. After the second actuatingelement 2 is actuated, the negative pressure in the chamber 420 is againat least largely eliminated, with the result that the frictional effectdiscussed leads to a blocking of the parts 21, 22. As a result, africtional action of the blocking means 40 on the second adjustingmechanism is achieved. In a particularly advantageous manner, theambient pressure acts on the active surface 421 of the second unlockingactuator 42 when the second unlocking actuator 42 is deactivated. FIG. 4illustrates the device 10 according to the invention with its pneumatic,second unlocking actuator 42 as a unit which is integrated with thesecond adjusting mechanism 20. The supplying of the pneumatic, secondunlocking actuator 42 with pneumatic energy is not illustrated in FIG.4.

Provision is made both in the first and in the second unlocking actuator43, 42, for the supplying with pneumatic energy to be provided eithervia a central compressed-air supply unit, for example from the intaketract of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, or via a decentralizedcompressed-air supply unit for one or more components 1. Furthermore,provision is likewise made to use electric actuators instead ofpneumatic locking or unlocking actuators 42, 43, 45. This has theadvantage that the “infrastructure” necessary for supplying theactuators by way of pressure lines and the associated weight and thecosts which arise can be largely omitted. According to the invention, avalve unit (not illustrated) is furthermore provided in the or on theactuator 42, 43, 45, the valve unit causing the parts 21, 22, 31, 32 toalways be blocked with respect to one another when excessiveaccelerations occur. This can take place, for example, by the valve orthe valve unit being driven by an electric signal. In an alternativeembodiment of the invention, provision may also be made for the valve orthe valve unit to be driven pyrotechnically. The pyrotechnic triggeringcan be carried out exclusively for one of the actuators 42, 43, 45 on acomponent 1 or alternatively a pyrotechnic triggering can be providedfor a plurality of actuators for various adjusting mechanisms 20, 30, ifappropriate on a plurality of different components 1. In oneparticularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is madefor a mass-containing valve piston (not illustrated) to be arranged inthe valve or the valve unit in such a manner that, at highaccelerations, it actuates the valve in a specific way such that ablocking of the parts 21, 22, 31, 32 is brought about. In this case,high accelerations is to be understood as meaning those accelerationswhich generally occur during an accident of a motor vehicle. Arefinement is particularly preferred in which the mass-containing valvepiston is aligned essentially in one of the main axes of the vehicle.Furthermore, a refinement is preferred in which the mass-containingvalve piston bears against a rotationally symmetrical sealing surface.Furthermore, a refinement is preferred in which the valve piston canfollow the sealing surface in any desired direction and can therebyreact in the desired manner to accelerations in a different direction.Furthermore, a refinement is preferred in which the valve unit isintegrated in the actuating valve (not illustrated) of a pneumaticactuator 42, 43, 45. Furthermore, a refinement is preferred in which thevalve unit constitutes an independent unit. Furthermore, a refinement isalso preferred in which the valve piston is held in a spring-loadedmanner in its starting position, i.e. in the position which it assumeswithout a massive acceleration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a time diagram 100 for driving an unlocking actuator42, 43 according to the invention. A first time 101, a second time 102,a third time 103 and a fourth time 104 are illustrated by means ofvertical lines in each case on a time axis, which is denoted by thereference symbol “t”. A voltage profile at the (preferably electricallyprovided) unlocking actuator 42, 43 is illustrated in the upper regionof FIG. 5, and an activating or actuating profile, for example at anactuating element 2, 3 or at a detection means (not illustrated), isillustrated in the lower region of FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, asetting period extends between the first time 101 and the fourth time104. The setting period, i.e. the period during which a user desires(without interruption) to change the setting of the adjusting mechanism20, 30, begins with a signal “flank”, which can be detected at theactuating element 2, 3, between an “adjustment not desired” state, whichis denoted by the reference number 130, and an “adjustment desired”state, denoted by the reference number 131. This can be followed betweenthe first and second times 101, 102 by a dead period 111 after which, inthe voltage profile of the unlocking actuator 42, 43, a transition froma deactivation level, denoted by the reference number 120, to a firstdrive voltage 121 takes place. After a first drive period 112, duringwhich the blocking means 40 has been brought by the unlocking actuator42, 43 from its blocking position into its release position, the drivevoltage is reduced to the level of a second drive voltage 122, accordingto the invention in particular during a second drive period 113.However, according to the invention, the setting period may last beyondthis, in which case the drive voltage is kept at least at the level ofthe second drive voltage 122 for the entire setting period, the expertunderstanding that this is also to be understood as, for example, apulse-width modulation drive at, for example, the same voltage level,but with different pulse widths.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a control unit 160 for controlling theadjusting mechanism according to the invention and the device 10according to the invention. The control unit 160 has connected to it, byway of example, the second unlocking actuator 42 and a further secondunlocking actuator 42′ which, in relation to the second unlockingactuator 42, is arranged, for example, mirror-symmetrically with respectto a plane (not illustrated) dividing the seat in the direction oftravel of the vehicle. The two second unlocking actuators 42, 42′ aredriven in the same manner by the control unit 160 as a function of thesignals which the control unit 160 obtains from the actuating elements2, 3, which are likewise connected to the control unit 160, oralternatively from further sensors (not illustrated). It is illustratedby way of example that a sensor means 150 is connected to the controlunit 160. If a corresponding signal is supplied by the sensor means 150to the control unit 160, then, for example in the upper region of FIG.5, despite the beginning of the setting period a transition from thedeactivation level 120 to the first drive voltage 121 does not takeplace because an incorrect operation of the device 10 is detected, forexample, by the sensor 150. Furthermore, FIG. 5 illustrates a voltagesupply 161 of the control unit 160.

The unlocking actuators 42, 43 may also be provided in such a mannerthat, at the beginning of the setting period, electric or mechanicalenergy is stored in the unlocking actuators 42, 43 before the actualunlocking operation and is released during the actual movement of theblocking means 40. The power which is to be applied for moving theblocking means 40 and which exceeds the nominal power consumption of theunlocking actuators 42, 43 may also be provided in a particularlyadvantageous manner from the previously stored electric energy (forexample by means of a capacitor) or mechanical energy (for example bymeans of a spring). For example, this includes an embodiment of thepresent invention in which the unlocking actuator 42, 43 has apre-travel distance at which it can “retrieve drive”, i.e. can thereforebuild up kinetic energy—for example in the form of rotational ortranslatory kinetic energy—and thus the higher initial power required toovercome the increased force requirements in the initial stage of theunlocking operation.

The blocking means 40 may be provided, for example, as a spring-loadedtappet which is thrown back automatically to lock the adjustingmechanism as soon as the drive of the locking actuator 42, 43 formaintaining the unlocking ceases, as a result of which the springbecomes effective.

A symmetrical (lateral) arrangement of for example, second unlockingactuators 42, 42′ is advantageous according to the invention because a,for example, necessary coupling via a synchronizing rod is thereforedispensed with. This has the advantage that a synchronizing rod which isnot present also does not have disadvantageous effects with regard toits crash behavior, and that smaller displacement travels of lockingand/or unlocking actuators are required because there is a smalleramount of play—owing to a smaller number of parts arranged mechanicallyone behind another and coupled to one another.

By means of a self-locking design of the adjusting mechanism, it ispossible, according to the invention, for the power requiredconsistently virtually over the entire setting period in the event of anemergency for maintaining the unlocking of the adjusting mechanism andtherefore for releasing the blocking means to be lower owing to the factthat forces to be taken on by the unlocking actuator 42, 43 are lower(owing to the self-locking design). In this case, it is possible, forexample, for the unlocking actuator not to maintain the unlockingdirectly counter to the (spring) force of the blocking means 40, butrather for the unlocking actuator merely to hold the blocking means 40,which is in its release position,—for example by means of a“ratchet-like” latching mechanism—and to release the blocking means 40,for example in the event of a current failure, in such a manner that theblocking means 40 drops at least into the standby position. Thecontinuous power drive (i.e., for example, by means of the second drivevoltage 122) is therefore used primarily to the effect that the blockingmeans 40 does not drop back into the standby position.

It is furthermore advantageously possible that, in the case of acomplete integration of the unlocking actuator 42, 43 with parts of theadjusting mechanism, a simple and compact construction, in particularwithout the necessity of flanging-on unlocking actuators 42, 43, ispossible. This makes the installation of the vehicle component or theassembly more rapid, simple and cost-effective.

It is furthermore possible that the information concerning the preferredsetting of the adjusting mechanism 20, 30 for a particular user ispresent—for example in the control unit 160. If the component—i.e., inparticular, the vehicle seat—is firstly in the setting period andsecondly “moves along” via the certain position or setting of theadjusting mechanism 20, 30, provision may be made in one preferredembodiment for the unlocking actuator 42, 43 to be driven in such amanner that, in this setting or position, the unlocking is cancelled andthe blocking means 40 is therefore blocked. If such a position “which isto be sought” or is desired is not “traversed”, the unlocking is notcancelled.

Furthermore, it is possible that more than one locking option isprovided in the vehicle component or in the vehicle seat. In this case,a sequence of movements of the seat that are to be carried out or atleast of parts thereof can then be “stored”—for example in the controlunit 160, in which case, when a certain position or setting is reached,for example of the backrest of the seat, an unlocking of further lockingoptions takes place, for example for the lateral folding away of such aseat with a folded-over backrest.

For the two last mentioned applications of the disclosed device and ofthe adjusting mechanism it is necessary for detection means to bedesigned in or on the component in such a manner that differentpositions of the adjusting mechanism can be recognized reliably andwithout any errors.

1. A device for blocking and for releasing an adjusting mechanism, theadjusting mechanism having at least two parts which are movable relativeto each other, the parts being provided in a first position with respectto each other in a first setting of the adjusting mechanism, and theparts being provided in a second position with respect to each other ina second setting of the adjusting mechanism, the device having ablocker, it being possible for the blocker to be brought at least into ablocking position and into a release position relative to the adjustingmechanism, an adjustment of the adjusting mechanism from its firstsetting to its second setting being provided only when the blocker is inits release position, wherein the improvement comprises an electricunlocking actuator for changing the position of the blocker between ablocking position and a release position, wherein when the unlockingactuator is activated, a first power requirement for releasing theblocker is provided, and in that, in order to maintain the releasing ofthe blocker, a second power requirement of the unlocking actuator isprovided, the second power requirement being smaller than the firstpower requirement, wherein the unlocking actuator comprises a firstpartial unlocking actuator and a second partial unlocking actuator, thefirst and second partial unlocking actuators jointly bringing about therelease of the blocker.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the electricactuator comprises an electric locking actuator.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the electric actuator comprises a spring-based, mechanicallocking actuator.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the electricactuator for changing the position of the blocker from its blockingposition to its release position can be carried out counter to an actionof force of the locking actuator.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein whenthe blocker is in the blocking position, a frictional, non-positiveaction of the blocker is applied to the adjusting mechanism.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first power requirement of the unlockingactuator is realized by a first drive voltage, and the second powerrequirement of the unlocking actuator is realized by a second drivevoltage.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the unlocking actuator can bedriven with the first power requirement at maximum during apredetermined overload period.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein one ofthe first and second power requirements is at least partially constantin time.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first power requirementis provided during a first drive period and the second power requirementis provided during a second drive period for driving the unlockingactuator.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein a repetition rate of anactivation of the unlocking actuator is limited.
 11. The device of claim1, wherein the blocker can be moved to a release position bydeactivation of the unlocking actuator and blocker can be brought into astandby position by deactivation of the unlocking actuator.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein when there is a loss of voltage by thedevice, the unlocking actuator is deactivated.
 13. The device of claim11, further comprising a signaling device for signaling the presence ofthe blocking means in the standby position.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein the unlocking actuator comprises an acceleration sensor fordeactivating the unlocking actuator.
 15. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising an actuating element for actuation of the unlocking actuator.16. The device of claim 15, wherein the actuating element is provided asa detector for detecting the end of the setting period.
 17. The deviceof claim 15, further comprising a sensor assigned to the device forproviding an inhibiting signal to prevent activation of the unlockingactuator.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the sensor is selectedfrom one of a seat occupant sensor and a body contact sensor.
 19. Anadjusting mechanism having a first part and having a second part, theparts being provided in a first position with respect to one another ina first setting of the adjusting mechanism, and the parts being providedin a second position with respect to one another in a second setting ofthe adjusting mechanism, the adjusting mechanism interacting with adevice as claimed in claim
 1. 20. A method for adjusting a componenthaving an adjusting mechanism, in particular of a motor vehicle,wherein, in a first step, the actuation of an actuating element causes ablocker of a device for blocking and for releasing the adjustingmechanism to be brought into a release position by means of an electricunlocking actuator, as a result of which the adjusting mechanism can beadjusted, wherein, in a second step, the action of a force on thecomponent causes the adjusting mechanism to be brought from a firstsetting into a second setting, and wherein, in a third step, the blockerof the device is brought into a blocking position and, as a result, theadjusting mechanism is blocked, wherein when the unlocking actuator isactivated, a first power requirement for releasing the blocker isprovided, and in that, in order to maintain the releasing of theblocker, a second power requirement of the unlocking actuator isprovided, the second power requirement being smaller than the firstpower requirement, wherein the unlocking actuator comprises a firstpartial unlocking actuator and a second partial unlocking actuator, thefirst and second partial unlocking actuators jointly bringing about therelease of the blocker.